Coronavirus: Funerals are being live streamed after strict 10-people rule imposed

A Sydney funeral director says he’s seen three funerals live streamed this past week after the government limited attendees to 10 as part of coronavirus restrictions.

Funerals are being live streamed after a 10-person rule was imposed by the government amid COVID-19. Picture: Blessed Funerals

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A funeral director from Brookvale has said he’s seen three funerals live streamed in the week since coronavirus restrictions were introduced allowing no more than 10 people to attend a service.

Joe Manno, co-owner of Blessed Funerals, said families have been struggling since the rules were imposed last Sunday.

“It’s impacted the way we’ve administered funerals now because we’ve had to get families to pick who attends and who doesn’t and its been hard communicating that to them,” Mr Manno said.

“What we’ve done is offer live streaming as a choice. We’re also offering to do memorial services down the track.

Two workers in Belgium wearing protective gear carrying a coffin at an unknown funeral service company. Picture: Benoit Doppagne

“Last Monday we directed a funeral for an Australian family who are devastated over the new rules. They’ve told people they can still come in cars and sit there at the gravesite.”

He said he’s been in the funeral industry for seven years but the past few weeks have been “heartbreaking”.

“It’s horrible, that’s why we’re doing everything we can for these families and finding other ways for people to listen in or watch.

Families are being forced to pick 10 people to attend funeral services amid government crackdown on social gatherings. Picture: Blessed Funerals

“We highly recommend lifestreaming and recording the event. This week one family member at a funeral live-streamed it from their own phone so that’s an option as well.

“We know a videographer who can do it if you want it professionally done.”

He said the government restrictions have caused some confusion.

“There are crowds of people at the supermarket but can only have 10 people at a funeral. It’s crazy times.

“Some cemeteries are saying the 10-person rule includes staff and a priest while others have said they’re included in that number.”

On Thursday Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced states can make exemptions to the 10-person rule in the event of hardship.